Students raise funds for Puerto Rico relief

Snack foods quickly flew off the tables at Mary A. White Elementary School on Friday afternoon.

As afternoon recess got underway, second-graders manned tables and accepted money from fellow classmates for snacks such as chips, crackers, juice, fruit, and cookies. Through the special fundraiser, students raised about $500 to help hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.

Remaining food will be donated to the Central High School food pantry.

Teacher Ashley VanDort said students brainstormed ways they could help Puerto Ricans devastated by the hurricane.

Students considered ideas such as sending food, supplies and blankets.

“It’s been really powerful to see this group of kids have such a compassionate heart for people they don’t even know and a place they don’t even know,” she said.

During the last few weeks, families donated snacks in preparation for the sale.

Second-grader Ava Ogle said they wanted to help the victims so they could have food, water and warm items when they sleep at night. With everyone joining together to raise money, Ogle, 7, said she’s happy.